Easy Synthesis of Nanostructures of ZnO and ZnS for Efficient UV Photodetectors

Abstract

Here, we report the facial synthesis of oxide (ZnO) and sulfide (ZnS) of zinc in nanorods and nanotubular structures by simple hydrothermal reduction method. The structural and phase analysis of the prepared samples has been done through X-ray diffraction, whereas morphological investigations have been done through transmission electron microscopy studies. The optical band gaps of the synthesized materials have been examined through UV-Vis spectroscopy studies. Photoconductivity measurements have been performed of both the ZnO nanorods and ZnS nanotubes samples in UV-illumination (λ ≈ 365 nm) and at an illumination intensity of ~3.3 mW/cm2. The prepared ZnO nanorods are found to have greater photoresponse of ~30% as compared to ZnS nanotubes ~25%. The adhesion and removal of oxygen molecules on the prepared samples’ surface are considered to be the mechanism of photodetection.